Russian government

An investigation reveals that Lukoil's Burgas refinery continues to process Russian oil, which is being transported by vessels from Russia's shadow fleet. The oil is transshipped in Bulgarian territorial waters, just a few kilometers from the port of Rosenets, which serves the refinery.

The EU has adopted the 15th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes measures against the so-called third-country shadow fleet that allows Russia to export oil and gas by circumventing Western sanctions.

Three Bulgarian companies have been sanctioned by the United States for providing support to Russia's military industry. According to lists released by the US Department of State and Treasury, the companies supplied aviation components and other goods used in Russia's ongoing military operations in Ukraine, as reported by BNR.

The Russian government has published a list of countries deemed to exhibit “destructive behaviors contrary to Russian spiritual and moral values,” which includes Greece and Cyprus. This decision was made under the directive of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

The United States has imposed sanctions on ten individuals and two entities from Russia, accusing them of trying to influence the 2024 US presidential election. The US Department of the Treasury described these actions as part of a broader effort to counter Russia's alleged attempts to manipulate public opinion ahead of the November election.

In a move reflecting its ongoing ideological battle with Western values, Russia has declared itself a "safe haven" for those looking to escape what it terms as "destructive neoliberal ideas" from their home countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing foreign nationals seeking temporary residence in Russia to bypass usual requirements.

The Russian government has reintroduced a ban on gasoline exports, effective from September 1 until the end of the year, in an effort to stabilize domestic prices following significant increases. This measure comes in response to rising fuel demand during the summer season and scheduled maintenance at oil refineries, some of which have also been damaged by Ukrainian drone strikes.

The Russian government has unexpectedly decided to increase the excise duty on imported alcohol, wine, and cut flowers from "unfriendly countries," including Bulgaria.

The United States plans to deploy long-range Tomahawk missiles in Germany, prompting Russia to put its ballistic missiles on alert in response. This decision marks the first time since the Cold War that American long-range weapons will be stationed in Germany, intended to bolster European deterrence against potential threats.

A Moscow court has issued an arrest warrant in absentia for Yulia Navalnaya, accusing her of participating in an extremist community. Navalnaya, who is currently abroad, has become a target of Russian authorities, marking a significant escalation in the government's crackdown on dissent.